The Shape of Love to Come! (Japanese: 家族のカタチ、ベベノムのキモチ！The Shape of Family, Bevenom's Feelings!) is the 84th episode of the Sun & Moon series, and the 1,023rd episode of the Pokémon anime. It first aired in Japan on August 2, 2018, in New Zealand on November 13, 2018, in Canada on December 8, 2018, and is scheduled to air in the United States on December 22, 2018.

Contents

Blurb

After Ash and friends meet a talented artist named Mina and her partner Pokémon Ribombee, Poipole becomes inspired to show off its love for its “Alolan family” through drawing. Lusamine and the other scientists at the Aether Foundation are excited to learn that Poipole is expressing its emotions and hope to study its illustrations, but a peculiar dream results in a shift in the tone of Poipole’s artwork…

Plot

Ash has his Pokémon compete in mock battles against each other. Rowlet's Razor Leaf proves to be an equal match against Torracat's Flame Charge. Lycanroc and Pikachu’s training session is interrupted after Poipole chases Lycanroc away. Rotom notices Poipole is performing a new move, Fury Attack. Ash is initially pleased, but soon grabs Poipole by the tail to end the pursuit. He congratulates his Pokémon on the new move, and Poipole spins around and sprays everyone with ink. Ash notes Poipole's infatuation with Pikachu after it scribbles a Pikachu picture in the sand, which Rotom promptly records. Professor Kukui and Professor Burnet call out to Ash to tell him to rush home before they head off to do some shopping.

While Kukui, Burnet and Ash are wondering through the Hau'oli City marketplace, Poipole flies over to a female artist. It focusses in on a sun painting, taking the girl by surprise. Ash rushes over and instantly notices the artist's partner Pokémon, a Ribombee. She is pleased that Poipole likes her paintings, and her Ribombee promptly lands on Poipole's head and begins fluttering its wings. The artist translates the movements as "Like, Like, Love", and states that Poipole likes drawing. The insight takes everyone by surprise, but the girl explains that she can sort of understand Ribombee. Kukui adds that the ability, Synchronize allows Ribombee to connect to Pokémon and a person's heart. Burnet notes that Ribombee uses aura to distinguish between flowers. Mina formally introduces herself to Ash, and add that she and Ribombee have been together for a long time.

The following day, Ash brings his classmates to meet Mina. The group are instantly enchanted by Mina's quality landscape paintings, and Mallow asks what she is painting next. To Ash's surprise it is a portrait of himself, his Pokémon, Rotom, Kukui, Burnet and her Munchlax. Poipole flies into the air and sprays everyone with red and blue ink. It then starts drawing a scene on the pavement which Mina copies into her sketchbook. She shows everyone else the thunderbolt-shaped drawing, which she adds is overflowing with emotion. Mina has Ribombee fly onto Poipole's head and flutter its wings to allow her to translate the Pokémon's emotions. She explains that Poipole's feelings mean "Like, Like, Love". Rotom notices Poipole's latest creation is much like its earlier sand drawing, both convey its affection towards Pikachu.

Ash and Pikachu return to Kukui's home, where Burnet informs Lusamine, Faba and Wicke of the latest development, that Poipole can illustrate its feelings. Rotom sends through the footage, which takes Wicke by surprise. Though Faba remains discerning and disappointed that it isn't scientific. Lusamine is fascinated and asks Ash to keep observing Poipole's behaviours. Kukui and Burnet, who are extremely excited to perform the Ultra Guardians' signature sign off for the first time, alongside Ash say goodbye to the Aether Foundation with an "Ult-roger!".

Later, Ash finds Poipole playing with Pikachu. He notices Poipole has made drawings of himself and his Alola family on the walls, and commends Poipole's artistic abilities. Rotom has Ash, Pikachu and Poipole pose in front of the mural, and takes a snap of them. Overnight, Poipole wakes up from its dream about a group of Poipole surrounding a Naganadel who lets out a loud roar. It flies outside and tears up as its look over at the moon.

The next day, at the Pokémon School, Ash and his classmates discuss Mina's amazing artworks. Ash tilts his head slightly and notices Poipole's newest scribbling on the blackboard, it features Pikachu with lightning bolts around it and Poipole with tears next to it. Ash and Pikachu are instantly concerned, and Poipole flies into Ash's arms to cry.

Meanwhile, Team Skull trio of Tupp, Zipp and Rapp wonder through the Hau'oli City markets hoping to stir up trouble. Rapp starts hugging various cute Pokémon, much to her team member's dismay. As she chases a Comfey, Rapp's attention turns to Mina's Ribombee. Rapp demands Mina hand over her Pokémon, and much to their surprise Mina insists that they have a battle, an art battle that is. Mina explains that an art battle involves a Trainer drawing one of their own Pokémon. Thinking it won't be a difficult task, the trio of grunts agree. Team Skull's Pokémon struggle to maintain their poses, while Mina soon finishes her Ribombee sketch. Zipp proudly displays his Garbodor drawing, while Rapp has drawn a cute-faced version of her Zubat, which Mina commends for showing off their respective passions. Tupp demands he and Mina reveal their sketches at the same time. Mina's drawing instantly impresses Zipp and Rapp. Unfortunately, Tupp's line drawing of his Salandit even embarrasses his Pokémon and Mina adds he should pay more attention to detail. Enraged, the Team Skull grunts throw away their sketchbooks and demand a real battle. Mina expertly catches the drawing books and explains that she was going to call the art battle a draw, but the battle starts.

Salandit launches a Toxic attack, but it is surprisingly intercepted by Poipole. Ash runs into the match, and proclaims that a one-on-three match is unfair. Tupp calls for another Toxic, while Rapp orders an Air Cutter and Zipp's Garbodor goes in for a Venoshock. Mina, with a stern look on her face, has Ribombee throws a Pollen Puff into Zubat's mouth. Pikachu's Iron Tail strikes Salandit, and Garbodor is beaten by Poipole's Fury Attack. The Team Skull grunts recall their Pokémon and run away.

Rotom shows Poipole's blackboard painting to Mina. She uses Ribombee to help her translate Poipole's thoughts, which reports Poipole's current happiness. Mina explains that she sensed Poipole's overwhelming sadness because of a heavy burden. She adds that Poipole is on an unknown mission. Ash clarifies that he will support Poipole even though he does not understand Mina's revelations, which instantly cheers up the Pokémon.

Back at home, Rotom spots Poipole painting a large-scale image on the ceiling. Ash enters the room, and Rotom adds that the sketch is of the Blinding Oneseen in one of Acerola's library books. He recalls Poipole's initial agitation, and Burnet adds that it has been a while since Ash's visit to Ula'ula Island. Poipole's newly discovered "Like, Like, Love" connection to the Blinding One puzzles everyone.